This piece of exercise equipment is exactly what it sounds like: a weighted version of those fun circular hoops you used to play with as a kid. They typically weigh between 1 and 8 pounds, compared to regular hula hoops, which clock in at less than a pound. The key is, she notes, you want to make sure you’re engaging your core the entire time. If you’re passively swinging your hips with no activation, you’re still getting some cardio but may not see the core strength improvement you’re looking for. “The best thing about them is they don’t feel like exercise,” says Stryker, “meaning you’re likely to think of it more as fun than a workout.”
Weighted Hula Hoop by bintiva, amazon.com ($59.99)
Smart Weighted Hula Hoop, amazon.com ($49.88)
Weighted Hula Hoop by Sports Hoop Store, amazon.com ($52.70)
Weighted Hula Hoop by Dumoyi, amazon.com ($49.99) Both she and Williams also note to start light and avoid overdoing it when you’re first getting started. “If you’re not used to the hula hooping motion, go easy the first few days,” Stryker says. Williams suggests working with your hoop for about 20 to 25 minutes total at a time and working your way up to more weight in time as you build your strength. “Monitor overuse with weighted hula hoops,” he says, and listen to how your body feels. If it feels painful to use, especially in your hips and lower back, think about adjusting the weight and duration of the workout. And if you’re using one of the hoops with the ball and rope, of course, make sure you’re not standing near anyone or anything that could accidentally get hit. Not everything that goes viral on TikTok has merit, but weighted hula hoops may be worthwhile to try, especially if you’re looking for a fun workout that doesn’t really feel like exercise. Whether you go for a standard-looking hoop or one of the modern varieties, get ready to light up that core.
